Team building in and out of the classroom allows and helps students to work together in social situations just as they would in their daily lives, or down the road in the workplace.
How often are they challenged with a task to do with others where they don't know how to work in these situations? Team building challenges students to problem solve and execute working with others. It shows them how to be accountable, such a great lesson for sixth grade students to learn, especially as they are moving on to Secondary level. We were able to experience this a lot during our Sports Camp in Ticino this June.
Many teachers, including myself, like to start groups off with something called icebreakers. They are just as it sounds, activities that break the silence and awkwardness when groups first come together. Even if a group has known each other for some time, team-building exercises purposely take students outside of their comfort zone and can sometimes bring on some personal anxiety. Icebreakers allow students to laugh and relax. It brings them together to show them that though they may be challenged today, it is going to be a fun learning experience.
Vanessa Bateman, Teacher Primary 6